Classic creations

What with World Book Day today and Ken Livingstone backing a Get London Reading campaign it seems that the written word is all the rage.

The Mayor, who wants Londoners to read more about their capital, said: “London provides the backdrop to an incredible array of stories and books that reflect our great city's history and diversity”.

But for those of you who’d prefer a bit of escapism on your tedious trek to work we’ve provided a guide to both modern and all-time classic reads to take your mind off that packed carriage and having your face in that stranger's armpit...

If you're looking for inspiration take a look at This is London's top all-time classics…

1. The Lord of the Rings — the film was so good they wrote a book about it! Emerse yourself in the original journey through Middle Earth the way JRR Tolkien intended

2. Pride and Prejudice — Women across the country swooned as Colin Firth’s portrayal of Jane Austen’s Mr Darcy — get to know the brooding hero even better with this classic read.

3. To Kill a Mockingbird — Harper Lee’s powerful and beautifully written classic about race and prejudice in America’s deep south seen through the eyes of eight year-old Scout Finch

4. Nineteen Eighty-Four — George Orwell would no doubt wince at Channel 4’s twist on his Big Brother theme and the show’s contestants will no doubt be relieved that Orwell isn’t setting the daily tasks!

5. Catch-22 — Joseph Heller managed to provide a witty insight into the horrors of the Second World War and introduced a new catchphrase to our vocabulary in with the bargain

6. Wuthering Heights — “It’s me, I’m Cathy, I’ve come home now” — Sarah Brightman was so moved by Emily Bronte’s novel that she penned that classic ditty. The book is better, trust us.

7. Birdsong — Sebastian Faulks’ Birdsong poignant story of love and war is set against the backdrop of the Western Front and explores the limits of human suffering and the strength of the human spirit.

8. The Catcher in the Rye — it may be the choice of conspiracy theorists around the world but don’t let those ‘goddam phonies’ put you off JD Salinger’s cult classic

9. Great Expectations — One of Dickens' most best-loved tales and full of colourful characters, Great Expectations follows the fortunes of Pip as he struggles to make his fortune and win the affections of the aloof Estella.

10. War and Peace — a mammoth of a book, you might need a suitcase to get this on the tube but think how smug you’ll feel when you’ve reached the last page